• Title/Summary/Keyword: scientific explanations

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Analysis of the Types of Scientific Models in the Life Domain of Science Textbooks (중등 과학 교과서의 생명 영역에 제시된 과학적 모형들의 유형 분석)

  • Kim, Mi-Young;Kim, Heui-Baik
    • Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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    • v.29 no.4
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    • pp.423-436
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    • 2009
  • This study aims to develop an analytic framework that can be used to classify scientific models in science textbooks according to modes and attributes of representation and to investigate types of scientific models presented in the biology section of science textbooks for the $7^{th}$ to $10^{th}$ grades. The results showed that modes of representation of scientific models are related to the nature of sub-areas of biology sections. Generally, the iconic model and symbolic model were in dominant use, including drawings of organs and explanations of working of systems. However, the chapters on 'The Organization of Life' and 'The Continuity of Life' showed a relatively high frequency in use of the actual model. The theoretical model was presented in a part of 'The Continuity of Life', due to its highly abstract characteristics. Moreover, the gestural model and analogical model showed very low frequency. From the perspective of attributes of representation, frequency of the static model was very high, while one of the dynamic models was very low. Therefore, efforts to recognize the properties of scientific concepts more clearly and to develop diverse types of models that can represent the concepts adequately are required. Analysis of these types of scientific models can offer recognition of the usefulness and limitations of models in representing the concepts or phenomena, and can help us to design adequate models depicting particular properties of given concepts. Also, this type of analysis may motivate researchers to strive to reveal correct methods for and limits of using the scientific models that are presented in existing science textbooks, as well as to provide useful information to organize the science textbooks according to the revised $7^{th}$ national science curriculum.

Exploring How a High School Science Teacher's Understanding and Facilitation of Scientific Modeling Shifted through Participation in a Professional Learning Community (교사학습공동체에 참여한 한 고등학교 교사의 과학적 모델링에 대한 이해 및 수업 실행 변화 탐색 -프레임 분석을 중심으로-)

  • Shim, Soo-Yean
    • Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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    • v.40 no.1
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    • pp.29-40
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    • 2020
  • The purpose of this study is to explore how a high school science teacher (Teacher E) shifted her understanding and facilitation of scientific modeling through participation in a professional learning community (PLC) for over a year. Based on socially situated theory of learning, I focused on examining Teacher E's frames about scientific modeling from her social interactions. Teacher E participated in her school-based PLC over a year and collaborated with other science teachers, coaches, and researchers to improve science instruction. I qualitatively explored her participation in 6 full-day professional learning opportunities-studios-where the PLC members collectively planned, implemented, and debriefed modeling-based lessons. Especially, I focused on two Studios (Studio 2, 6) where Teacher E became the host teacher and implemented the lessons. I also examined her classroom teaching in those Studios. To understand how the PLC inquiry affected the shifts observed in Teacher E's understanding and practice, I explored how the inquiry evolved over the 6 Studios. Findings suggest that in Studio 2, Teacher E viewed students' role in scientific modeling as to fill out the worksheet with "correct" answers. Meanwhile, in Studio 6, she focused on helping students collaborate to construct explanatory models of phenomena using evidence. The PLC inquiry, focused on supporting students' construction of evidence-based explanations and collaboration in scientific modeling, seemed to promote the shifts observed in Teacher E's understanding and facilitation of scientific modeling. These findings can inform educational researchers and practitioners who aim to promote teachers' professional learning to support students' epistemic practices.

C. M. Guzay and the Quadrant Theorem (C. M. Guzay의 Quadrant Theorem에 대한 고찰)

  • Yin, Chang Shik;Lee, Young-Jun
    • Journal of TMJ Balancing Medicine
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    • v.2 no.1
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    • pp.13-16
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    • 2012
  • Objectives: The quadrant theorem is a theorem proposed by C. M. Guzay in the field of functional, holistic dentistry. There are not much of scientific literature on the quadrant theorem. This study briefly reviewed basic concepts of quadrant theorem. Methods: A publication by Guzay and research articles were searched and reviewed. The quadrant theorem is depicted as a series of illustrations and accompanied explanations. Results: The primary concept of the quadrant theorem was presented in 1952. Based on geometric biophysics of the occlusion and related anatomical functions, physiological pivotal axis of the mandible is analyzed to occurs at the dens (the sub-atlas area). Composite muscular activity links the mandibular posture with C1-C2, which is then linked with the spinal posture. Twenty illustrations are progressively presented on the physiognomy, occlusion, and analysis of anatomical functions. The balanced distribution of the forces gives the durability of the functions in life. Conclusions: The quadrant theorem provides a functional linkage between the mandibular posture and the upper cervical vertebrae.

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Investigation into Tenth Graders' Understanding of the "Nature of Scientific Inquiry" (일반 고등학교 1학년 학생들의 과학적 탐구의 본성에 관한 이해)

  • Cho, Eunjin
    • Journal of the Korean earth science society
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    • v.41 no.3
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    • pp.273-290
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    • 2020
  • This study aims to investigate tenth graders' understanding of the nature of scientific inquiry (NOSI). A total of 100 public school students participated. A questionnaire of Views about Scientific Inquiry was used to assess their understanding of the NOSI, and data were collected using qualitative research methods such as open-ended questionnaires and, when necessary, semi-structured interviews. By employing a constant comparison method to analyze their responses, five students were consistently categorized as the group with informed views regarding all the eight aspects of the NOSI. The rest of the students showed different levels of understanding regarding each aspect. A large portion of the students represented a group with mixed views about four aspects and informed views about three aspects, whereas naive views about one aspect prevailed among them. The results showed that many students comparatively lacked understanding of the aspect related to the scientists' process of constructing explanations and formulating theories. This study discusses the relationship between its results and the current science curriculum and presents implications for the overall enhancement of students' understanding of the NOSI. Finally, it encourages the acquisition of scientific inquiry ability and makes suggestions to promote further studies.

Korean Elementary Students' Understanding about Scientific Inquiry using VASI-E Questionnaire (초등학생의 과학 탐구의 특징에 대한 이해 -VASI-E를 바탕으로-)

  • Yoo, Hye-jin;Park, Jisun;Lederman, Judith S.;Lederman, Norman G.;Bartels, Selina;Jimenez, Juan
    • Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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    • v.41 no.2
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    • pp.83-92
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    • 2021
  • The purpose of this study is to investigate elementary school students' understandings about scientific inquiry. Data were collected from 119 elementary students who are in the 4th grade using the Views About Scientific Inquiry questionnaire for elementary students (VASI-E). We also conducted semi-structured interviews of 21 students from 119 students who responded to VASI-E. Students' responses were analyzed as naive, mixed, or informed views on each aspect of scientific inquiry that VASI-E includes. We found that, first, 53.8% of students have mixed views, and 30.3% of students have informed views, and 16% of students have naive views on the knowledge 'investigation begin with a question'. Second, 54.6% of students have naive views, 37.8% of students have mixed views, and 7.6% of students have informed views on the knowledge 'scientists use many methods to answer their questions.' Third, 47.9% of students have informed views, 34.5% of students have naive views, and 17.6% of students have mixed views on 'procedures guided by question asked.' Fourth, 55.5% of students have mixed views, 42% of students have informed views, and only 2.5% of students have naive views on 'conclusions must be consistent with data and explanations come from data and prior knowledge.' Based on the results, implications for teaching and learning scientific inquiry at elementary level in Korea were discussed.

An Analysis of Science Textbooks and Internet Sites Related to Diffusion and Dissolution on the View Point of Particle Theory, and Development of Computer-Assisted Instruction Program (입자론의 관점에서 본 확산과 용해 개념에 관련된 과학 교과서 및 인터넷 자료 분석과 컴퓨터 수업 보조자료의 개발)

  • Kim, Ju Hyun;Lee, Dong Jun;Kim, Sun Kyoung;Kang, Seong Joo;Paik, Seong Hey
    • Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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    • v.44 no.6
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    • pp.611-624
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    • 2000
  • In this study we analysed 3-12 grade science textbooks, many literatures and internet sites related to diffusion and dissolution concepts. From these data, we discovered that the explanations of diffusion that used in textbooks are not considered the site of collision with mediums, and confused with dissolution, state transition and effusion. In the case of dissolution, almost analysis data were short of the explanations of interaction effect. Most of all, the focus of dissolution explanations was to solve the calculation problems rather than to understand the concept. Every internet site was poor, just as the level of showing textbook contents with computer, so the only effect of using computer was the sense of sight and hearing. Chemistry must be understood nature phenomena with a view point of particle theory, but many textbooks and Internet sites didn't represent it sufficiently. We set up the correct scientific concept and linked micro world of particle theory with macro world of nature phenomena. With a use of computer which have the advantage of representing moving things, we developed the computer-assisted instruction programs related to diffusion and dissolution with the viewpoint of particle movement.

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Epistemic Level in Middle School Students' Small-Group Argumentation Using First-Hand or Second-Hand Data (데이터 출처 유형에 따른 중학생의 소집단 논변활동의 인식론적 수준)

  • Cho, Hyun-A;Chang, Ji-Eun;Kim, Heui-Baik
    • Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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    • v.33 no.2
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    • pp.486-500
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    • 2013
  • This study is conducted to examine how epistemic reasoning and argument structures of students vary according to data sources used in the process of argumentation implemented in the context of inquiry. To this end, three argument tasks using first-hand data and three argument tasks using second-hand data were developed and applied to the unit on 'Nutrition of Plants' for first year middle school students. According to the results of this study, epistemic reasoning of students manifested during the process of argumentation and varied according to data sources. While most students composed explanations with phenomenon-based or relation-based reasoning in argumentation using first-hand data, all the small groups composed explanations that included model-based reasoning in argumentation using second-hand data. In the case of arguments including phenomenon-based or relation-based reasoning, students described only observable characteristics, with warrants omitted from arguments in many cases. On the other hand, in the case of arguments that included model-based reasoning, explanations were composed by combining the results of observations with theoretical knowledge, with warrants more apparent in their arguments.

Scientific Inquiry and Group Theories in Political Science

  • KIM, ILSU
    • Korea and Global Affairs
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    • v.1 no.2
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    • pp.243-270
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    • 2017
  • The purposes of this paper are twofold: First, to discuss ways and limits of studying politics scientifically; second, to examine group theories to the study of political science. To answer the first question, I examine philosophy of science, methods of scientific research, and limits of scientific study of politics. As a subject matter itself, political science involves the study of human beings and the discovery of explanations for the political behavior that they exhibit. This discovery of regularities of behavior in politics inevitably requires that human beings act consistently or discoverable manner. I argue that the best way of studying politics as much as possible is to combine traditional and scientific approaches depending upon issues, The second section of this paper will examine one of important middle-range theory of politics; group theories (approaches). Examining this will show strength and limits of studying politics scientifically. The group approaches examine the importance of role that people hold in the political system as well as the relationship between the action of collective group and its impact on the political behavior. Overall, the group approaches tend to deal with individuals in specific societal contexts and with varying distributions of power between the actors. This group approaches are premised on the belief that political activity involves more than just one individual, political activity occurs instead through individual actors in particular settings. I argued that group theories have some explanatory power and descriptive richness, though it has limitations.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Students' Conceptions on Evolution and Characteristics of Concept Formation about It in Terms of the Subjects: Human, Animals and Plants (설명대상에 따른 학생들의 진화 개념과 진화 개념 형성의 특성에 관한 횡단 연구)

  • Ha, Min-Su;Lee, Jun-Ki;Cha, Hee-Young
    • Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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    • v.26 no.7
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    • pp.813-825
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    • 2006
  • The purpose of this study was to identify students' conceptions and their conceptualization traits in terms of the explanation of subjects: human, animals, and plants. A questionnaire was specially developed to make sure students' conceptions of evolution, students' explanation patterns with the five evolutionary explanations: creationism, internal will explanation, theological explanations, use and disuse explanation and natural selection after mutation and perceived ideas of evolution in terms of the genetic characters of human, animals and plants. 1,540 elementary, middle and high school students participated in responding to the questions. The data was collected and analyzed cross-sectionally by age. Results showed that students' evolutionary explanations were different among each subject: human, animals and plants. Students had concentrated with more 'theological explanations' than 'internal will explanation' and 'use and disuse explanation' about plant evolution. 'Natural selection after mutation explanation' was less represented in explaining human characters. This result showed that the anthropocentric thoughts had influenced students' evolution conceptions. Accordingly, as student's age, 'theological explanation' and 'internal will explanation' became least used in explaining the theory of creation. 'Use and disuse explanation' attained more representation in their explanation. In addition, the diversity of students' evolutionary explanations was getting less attention as age increases. Among youngers, 'theological explanation', 'internal will explanation' and 'use and disuse explanation' showed an even number of responses. The elders responded with more 'use and disuse explanation'. This result let us infer that 'use and disuse explanation' was strongly adhered to by student cognitive structures. Many students recognized that evolution was a kind of scientific hypothesis with little evidence. They have had a little interest in evolution and conceptualized it through informal educational sources. This study mentions that to teach evolution more effectively, teachers should make 'use and disuse explanation' adhere strongly to students' cognitive structure.

The Analysis of Inquiry Activity in the Material Domain of the Elementary Science Textbook by Science and Engineering Practices (과학 공학적 실천에 의한 초등학교 과학 교과서 물질 영역의 탐구 활동 분석)

  • Cho, Seongho;Lim, Jiyeong;Lee, Junga;Choi, GeunChang;Jeon, Kyungmoon
    • Journal of Korean Elementary Science Education
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    • v.35 no.2
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    • pp.181-193
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    • 2016
  • We examined the inquiry activities in the material domain of the elementary science textbooks and experimental workbooks based on 2009 revised curriculum. The analysis framework was SEP (Science and Engineering Practices) - 'Asking questions and defining problems', 'developing and using models', 'planning and carrying out investigations', 'analyzing and interpreting data', 'using mathematics and computational thinking', 'constructing explanations and designing solutions', 'engaging in argument from evidence', and 'obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information'. Sub-SEP of each grade band were also used. The results showed that the $3^{rd}{\sim}5^{th}$ grade science textbooks and workbooks mainly emphasized 'make observations and/or measurements', 'represent data in tables and/or various graphical displays', or 'use evidence to construct or support an explanation or design a solution to a problem' among around 40 sub-SEP. In the case of the inquiry activities for $6^{th}$ grade, majority of sub-SEP included were also only 'collect data to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence to answer scientific questions or test design solutions', 'analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for phenomena' or 'construct a scientific explanation based on valid and reliable evidence obtained from sources'. The type of 'asking questions and defining problems', 'using mathematics and computational thinking' or 'obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information' were little found out of 8 SEP. Educational implications were discussed.